Ever seen someone effortlessly glide down the street on a skateboard and thought, “I want to do that!”? It’s an awesome feeling, but getting started can feel a little overwhelming. One of the trickiest parts for new skaters is figuring out skateboard trucks. These metal pieces might seem small, but they do a big job controlling how your board turns and feels.
Picking the wrong trucks can make learning to skate much harder. You might find your board too wobbly, or maybe it’s too stiff to turn easily. It’s like trying to ride a bike with the wrong size wheels – it just doesn’t feel right! This confusion can stop you from even getting on your board.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes good beginner trucks. We’ll break down what to look for, so you can confidently choose the perfect pair. Get ready to learn how to make your skateboarding dreams a reality, one truck at a time!
Our Top 5 Skateboard Trucks For Beginners Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Skateboard Trucks For Beginners Detailed Reviews
1. AXDT Skateboard Wheels Set
Rating: 9.1/10
Ready to upgrade your ride or build your dream skateboard? The AXDT Skateboard Wheels Set is a fantastic all-in-one package. This kit includes everything you need to get rolling, from sturdy trucks to smooth-rolling bearings. It’s designed to fit most standard skateboard decks, making it a super convenient choice for skaters of all levels.
What We Like:
- Complete set: This package includes trucks, wheels, bearings, hardware, riser pads, and spacers. You get all the essential parts in one box.
- Durable trucks: The 7.5-inch trucks are made from magnesium aluminum alloy. They are strong and can handle a lot of pressure, meaning they will last.
- Beginner-friendly wheels: The 52mm wheels have a 100a hardness. This is a great balance for new skaters, offering good grip without being too slippery.
- Smooth ride: The ABEC-9 bearings are high quality. They allow your wheels to spin for a long time, giving you a really smooth skating experience.
- Easy fit: This set is designed for skateboard decks that are 7.5 inches to 8 inches wide. It’s a good fit for most common board sizes.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited color options: The set only comes in black trucks and black wheels. More color choices would be nice for personalization.
- Wheel hardness might be limiting for advanced tricks: While good for beginners, advanced skaters might want harder wheels for certain types of skating.
This AXDT Skateboard Wheels Set offers great value and quality for anyone looking to assemble or repair their skateboard. It’s a solid choice for getting back on the board with confidence.
2. [CCS] Skateboard Trucks
![[CCS] Skateboard Trucks | Professional Grade | Steel | Sizes 109mm, 129mm, 139mm, 149mm, & 169mm | Raw Silver, Black | Set of 2 | 1" Mounting Hardware Included (Raw, 139mm (Fits 8.0"-8.25" Decks))](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mUnLQDemL._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 9.2/10
Get ready to shred with the [CCS] Skateboard Trucks! These are professional-grade trucks built tough for any skater. You can choose from a bunch of sizes to perfectly fit your skateboard deck. They come in cool Raw Silver or sleek Black. Plus, you get a set of two trucks and all the 1″ mounting hardware you need to get rolling right away. The 139mm size is perfect for decks between 8.0″ and 8.25″ wide.
What We Like:
- Comes as a set of two trucks, so you’re ready to go.
- Includes 1″ Phillips hardware for easy mounting.
- Made with strong steel hangers and baseplates for durability.
- Features no-slip axles and kingpins to keep things secure.
- Smooth and sharp turning thanks to premium, high-rebound bushings.
- Classic design works great for street skating, park tricks, or just cruising.
- Tested by experienced skaters to ensure top quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, the steel construction might feel a little heavier than some other materials.
- The “Raw Silver” finish might show minor scuffs over time with heavy use.
These CCS trucks offer a fantastic balance of quality, performance, and value for skaters. They are a solid choice whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your setup.
3. TLHB Skateboard Truck
Rating: 8.6/10
Ready to hit the streets or the skatepark? The TLHB Skateboard Truck, Wheels, and Hardware Combo Starter Kit in sleek black is your all-in-one solution for building or upgrading your ride. This kit is designed for both seasoned skaters and those just starting out, offering a fantastic blend of durability and performance to get you rolling smoothly.
What We Like:
- The trucks are built tough with aluminum alloy and steel. They can handle lots of weight and pressure.
- The wheels have the right hardness (95a) and bounce (60%). This makes them great for all skill levels and prevents them from cracking.
- The ABEC-9 bearings spin super fast and smooth. They can keep going for 30 seconds without you pushing!
- This kit fits most common skateboard decks, from 7.5 to 8 inches wide.
- It’s a complete set! You get trucks, wheels, bearings, screws, a lifting pad, and spacers. Everything you need to get started.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the black color looks cool, a few more color options might appeal to more skaters.
- The instructions for assembly could be a little clearer for absolute beginners.
This TLHB combo kit provides excellent value and quality. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to enhance their skateboarding experience.
4. 24 inch Rude Boyz Mini Cruiser Skateboard – Aluminium Trucks – Kids Skateboard Ages 5-8 Beginner – Skateboards for Kids
Rating: 8.7/10
Get your little rider rolling with the 24 inch Rude Boyz Mini Cruiser Skateboard! This board is designed for maximum fun and learning for kids ages 5 to 8. It’s super light and easy to handle, making it the perfect first skateboard. Plus, it looks really cool with awesome Rude Boyz graphics!
What We Like:
- Great for beginners: This skateboard is made for kids just starting out.
- Perfect size: At 24 inches long and 6 inches wide, it’s easy for small kids to control.
- Strong and safe: It has sturdy aluminum trucks and good bearings for a smooth ride.
- Supports up to 121lbs: It can handle growing kids for a long time.
- Arrives ready to go: The skateboard comes fully assembled, so you can start skating right away.
- Looks awesome: The cool designs make this board a real head-turner.
- Doubles as decor: It can even be displayed as a cool decoration in your kid’s room!
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited wheel color options: While the board designs are cool, the wheel colors might not be for everyone.
- Smaller size for older kids: This board is best for younger beginners, so older kids might need a larger size.
This Rude Boyz Mini Cruiser is a fantastic choice for introducing your child to the exciting world of skateboarding. It balances quality, fun, and affordability for young riders.
5. Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks – Set of 2 (144(8.25″))
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to shred with the Independent Stage 11 Skateboard Trucks – Set of 2 (144(8.25″)). These trucks are a legendary choice for skateboarders of all levels. They offer a solid ride and are built to last through all your tricks and adventures. The 144mm size is a sweet spot for many popular skateboard deck widths, making them a versatile option for your setup.
What We Like:
- These trucks are super strong and won’t break easily.
- They offer a smooth and stable ride, even when you’re going fast.
- Independent trucks are known for their great turning ability, making grinds and carves feel awesome.
- The classic silver finish looks cool on any board.
- They are a reliable choice that many pro skaters trust.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sometimes, new bushings can feel a little stiff at first and might need some breaking in.
- While durable, they can be a bit heavier than some newer truck designs.
The Independent Stage 11 trucks are a fantastic investment for any skater looking for dependable performance. You can count on them to handle whatever you throw their way.
Choosing Your First Skateboard Trucks: A Beginner’s Guide
So, you’ve got a skateboard deck and you’re ready to roll. Awesome! But wait, what about the trucks? These are the metal parts that attach your wheels to your board. They’re super important for how your skateboard feels and performs. Don’t worry, picking the right trucks for your first set isn’t scary. We’ll guide you through it.
Key Features to Look For
1. Truck Width
This is probably the most important thing. Your truck’s width should match your skateboard deck’s width. This helps your board feel stable and balanced. If the trucks are too wide, your board will feel wobbly. If they’re too narrow, your board will feel twitchy. A good rule of thumb is to match the truck axle width (the part the wheels go on) to your deck’s width.
2. Truck Height
Trucks come in different heights: low, mid, and high.
- Low trucks are closer to the ground. They make your board more stable for tricks.
- Mid trucks are a good all-around choice. They offer a balance of stability and turning.
- High trucks are further from the ground. They give you more clearance for larger wheels and make turning easier.
For beginners, mid-height trucks are usually the best starting point. They’re versatile.
3. Bushings
Bushings are the rubbery rings inside the truck. They help your board turn and absorb bumps. Bushings come in different hardness levels. Softer bushings make turning easier, which is great for beginners learning to carve. Harder bushings offer more stability, which is good for riding fast.
Important Materials
Skateboard trucks are usually made from metal.
- Aluminum Alloy is the most common material. It’s strong and relatively lightweight.
- Some trucks might have steel parts, like the kingpin (the bolt that goes through the middle).
Good quality aluminum alloy makes trucks durable and able to withstand the stress of skateboarding.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Trucks Good
Strong construction means your trucks won’t bend or break easily. Smooth turning is another sign of quality. Well-made trucks respond well to your movements. Lightweight trucks can make your board feel more nimble and easier to pop for tricks.
What Makes Trucks Less Good
Trucks made with cheap materials can bend or crack after just a few uses. If the turning feels stiff or unpredictable, it’s a sign of lower quality. Trucks that are too heavy can make learning tricks much harder.
User Experience and Use Cases
For beginners, the goal is a comfortable and forgiving riding experience. Trucks that are easy to turn help you learn balance and how to steer. They should also be sturdy enough to handle the occasional fall. Most beginners will use their boards for cruising around and maybe trying some basic tricks. Mid-height trucks with medium-hard bushings are perfect for this. They let you learn to turn without feeling too unstable and offer enough clearance for small obstacles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Skateboard Trucks
Q: What truck width should I get for a 8-inch deck?
A: For an 8-inch wide deck, you’ll want trucks with an axle width of around 7.75 to 8 inches. This will give you a balanced feel.
Q: Do I need to buy trucks and wheels separately?
A: Yes, usually you buy the deck, trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware as separate parts to build your own skateboard. Some complete skateboards come with trucks already attached.
Q: How do I know if my trucks are too tight or too loose?
A: If your board feels wobbly and hard to control, your trucks might be too loose. If it’s very hard to turn, they might be too tight. You can adjust them with a skate tool.
Q: What are “independent trucks”?
A: Independent Trucks is a very popular brand known for making durable and responsive trucks. They are a great choice, but many other brands also make excellent trucks.
Q: Can I use low trucks for cruising?
A: You can, but mid or high trucks are often better for cruising because they offer a smoother ride over rougher surfaces and make turning easier when you’re just rolling around.
Q: How often do I need to replace my trucks?
A: Trucks can last a long time if you take care of them and don’t do anything too extreme. You’ll usually need new ones if they bend, crack, or the turning becomes permanently sloppy.
Q: What does “turning radius” mean for trucks?
A: Turning radius is how easily and tightly your board can turn. Trucks with softer bushings and mid-to-high height generally have a smaller turning radius, meaning they turn sharper.
Q: Are expensive trucks always better?
A: Not always for beginners! Good quality, mid-range trucks are usually more than enough. As you get better and learn what you like, you might want to invest in higher-end trucks.
Q: What is a kingpin?
A: The kingpin is the large bolt that goes through the center of the truck. It holds the bushings and the hanger together and is important for how the truck turns.
Q: Should I get the same brand of trucks as my deck?
A: No, you don’t have to. Truck brands and deck brands are often different. Focus on getting the right width and height for your deck, and a reputable truck brand.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.